Global Automakers Agree on Universal Charging System

by John Clark | 06 May 2012

Global automakers from the United States and Germany are demonstrating a new fast-charging technology that will give electric vehicle owners the ability to recharge their EV in a mere 15-20 minutes. Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to support a single-port fast charging approach, called DC-fast charging, for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States.

The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet. The new system gives EV owners the ability to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure. The combined charging approach will also reduce development and infrastructure complexity, improve charging reliability, reduce the total cost-of-ownership for end customers and provide low maintenance costs.

Currently today’s electric vehicles like the Ford Focus Electric can recharge in as little as four hours with a quick charger, but new models like the 2014 BMW i3 will be able to be recharged much faster. The new chargers will be available commercially by the end of 2012 and the first vehicles to use the new technology will be available starting in 2013.

Global Automakers to Demo EV Fast Charging at EVS26

Combined Charging System allows AC and DC fast-charging from single inlet port

Global automakers from the United States and Germany will demonstrate fast-charging technology that will enable the recharging of most electrified vehicles with compatible systems in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast charging approach – called DC Fast Charging with a Combined Charging System – for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States.

Live charging demonstrations will be conducted during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EVS26) May 6-9.

The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet. This will allow customers to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure.

The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the Combined Charging System as the fast-charging methodology for a standard that incrementally extends the existing Type 1-based AC charging. The standard is to be officially published this summer. ACEA, the European association of vehicle manufacturers has also selected the Combined Charging System as its AC/DC charging interface for all new vehicle types in Europe beginning in 2017.

The charging system design was based on collaborative reviews and analysis of existing charging strategies, the ergonomics of the connector and preferences of U.S. and European customers. The system was developed for all international vehicle markets and creates a uniform standard with identical electrical systems, charge controllers, package dimensions and safety mechanisms.

The system maximizes capability for integration with future smart grid developments through common broadband communication methods regardless of the global location of the charging system. The combined charging approach will reduce development and infrastructure complexity, improve charging reliability, reduce the total cost-of-ownership for end customers and provide low maintenance costs.

Commercially available combined charging units are projected to be available later this year. All committed OEMs have vehicles in development which will use the Combined Charging System. The first vehicles to use this system will reach the market in 2013.

About eMercedesBenzTrademark InformationTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyeMercedesBenz the world's leading online Mercedes-Benz magazine dedicated to covering the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands. Established with the intent of bringing Mercedes-themed content from across the globe to one centralized location, eMercedesBenz has since grown to become the world's foremost Mercedes magazine by which to find the latest news, information, reviews and rumors pertaining to the Mercedes-Benz family of brands. In addition, eMercedesBenz also offers a distinct lifestyle section featuring an assortment of products and services. Each week, our team finds the hottest new gear, the latest style and the best places to travel in a variety of categories, all of which are aimed at making your life better, more refined and more enjoyable.